Method and machine for winding coils



Sept '7, 1943- M. KNQBEL 2,328,725

METHOD AND MACHINE Fon wINDING coILs Filed May 26, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 7, 1943. M. KNOBEL 2,328,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR WINDING COLS Filed May 26, 1941 5 sheets-sheet 2 Sept i7 1943;` KNQ'BEL 2,328,725

METHO AND. MACHINE FOR WINDING COILS Y u Y, Filed may ze, 1941 s sheets-sheet 3 fSept. 7, 1943.

Filed malgrs.- 1941 www.

IQ, 5 Sh-eetS/-Sheet 4 NGN V -12-25 lll lill: .l1 1 1 QQ Gow mx .\\|..l EN mh l I, Hmmm QQ w QQ w NON \ON la Q wlllill wmv ' kMETHOD AND .MACHINE FOR wgmDING cons Fi May' 26,1941 s sheets-sheet 5 l I' MAX yx/04551.

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Patented Sept. 7, 1943 Max Knobel, Cambridge, Mass., assigner -by mesne assignments to Houdaille-Hershey Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application May 26, 1941, Serial No. 395,215

20 Claims.

tional horsepower motors, it has been the com-i mon practice to form the field structure from a stack of laminations, each lamination including in a single piece the entire cross-section of the eld structure. That is to say, a one-piece lamination includes two pole faces, two pole throats, and two integraly connecting arcuate strips extending between the two ,pole throats and which thus form a unitary magnetic structure. A laminated eld structure made up in this manner with a plurality of one-piece laminations has in the past employed relatively Wide throats in comparison with the width of the pole face. This has been necessary in view of the fact that the coils for each pole were slipped over the head of the pole and then pushed down slightly behind the pole to hold the same in place. This pushing down of the coil on two of its four sides naturally causes an extension of the coil at the other two sides.

While this type of construction has been satisfying from several standpoints, including economy of assembly, there has, nevertheless, been several disadvantages. One disadvantage has been the fact that more copper'has been employed in the eld coil than is necessary to obtain the desired' ampere-turns due to the relatively wide throat for each pole and due to the fact that vtwo sides of the coil are pushedv out away from the shank portion of the pole. It is to be remembered that it is not the length of wire which governs but rather the number of ampere-turns. In existing machines, due to the fact that it is desirable to thin out the ux at the leading or enteringpole tip, the pole tip has been flared away to increase the air gap at this point. By employing a narrow throat construction, as is possible under the present invention, the desired ux distribution may be obtained without any substantial flaring away of the leading edge of the pole tip,

Obviously, in a field structure having a relatively narrow throat a shorter length of wire may be used in winding the desired number of turns on a pole thereof than on a pole of a eld structure having a wide throat. The design of the leld structure per se is described and claimed in my copending application entitled Laminated eld structure," Serial No. 378,199, led February 10, 1941, now Patent No. 2,298,388, dated October 13, 1942, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. Therefore, this invention is not concerned so much with the relative width of the pole throat as it is with the Winding of the field coil tightly around the throat so that a minimum amount of copper is employed. By winding the field coils tightly in place on the pole throat, a `proper number of ampere-turns can be provided which lie closely adjacent the sides of the throat and which provides an improved eld construction at less cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means and a method for winding wire in a coil around an element.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for winding untwisted wire in coils around an object. f

Another and further object of the present invention is to provide means for winding untwisted wire under tension in coils around an object.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an elicient means for directly winding in place an-untwisted coil of wire around the throat of field pole.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an automatically operated high' speed machine for evenly winding tensioned wire in an untwisted coil directly on the tapered throat of the pole of a field structure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine for actuating an element in the path of amoving wire in such a manner that tight coil of-the wire, having any desired number of turns, is wound on the'element.

A still further obJ'ect of this invention is the provision of an automatic machine for reciprocating a field structure toward and away from and in the path of a laterally moving wire threading mechanism in such a manner that a tight coil of the Wire having any desired number of turns is tightly and evenly Wound on a pole of the eld structure.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a feed mechanism for a wire coil winding machine from which untwisted wire is fed to the machine.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a mechanism for evenly stacking the turns of wire as they are consecutively coiled around an object such as the pole of a eld structure.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a gear setkfor intermittently and alternately actuating a wire threading mechanism and an element to be wound with coils of wire.

According to some of the important features of this invention, wire held under tension is fed from a spool through a needle threading mechanism in a predetermined path. The spool is mounted for free rotation about its own axis and for driven rotation in a plane at right angles to its free rotation in order that twisting of the wire be eliminated as it is fed through the threading mechanism and wound in coils around an object.

The free end of the wire is then anchored to a reciprocating table on which a. field structure or other device, to be wound with a wire coil, is clamped or mounted.

A driving mechanism intermittently and alternately reciprocates the mounting table and actuates the threading mechanism in directions transversely to the movement of the table thereby actuating the mounted field structure in the path of a moving wire.

The field structure is initially moved in a direction in which the stationary threading mechanism lays a length of wire along a side of the pole to be wound. The field structure is then held in a stationary position while the threading mechanism is swung in a direction transverse to the line of movement of the field structure. This movement of the threading mechanism lays a length of wire along a face at right angles to the previously mentioned side of the pole. The threading mechanism is then held stationary while the field structure is moved in a line back to its original position and a length of wire is thereby laid along the side of the pole opposite to the first mentioned side. The eld structure is again held stationary while the threading mechanism is swung back to its original position to lay a length of wire orr a face of the pole opposite to the first mentioned face. By these two intermittent and alternate movements of the mounted field structure and the threadingmechanism, a single turn of wire is coiled around the pole of the field structure. Continued operation effects the winding of additional turns until the number desired has been reached.

A transmission gear set or sets connected to a single source of power provides the intermittent and alternate actuation of both the reciprocating table, on which the eld structure is mounted, and the swinging threading mechanism, through which the wire is fed. The gear transmission is so connected to the reciprocating table and to the swinging threading mechanism as to be adjustable for regulating the moving distances thereof thereby providing a mechanism for winding different sized elements with wire coils.

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and manner of construction, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a wire coil winding machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view in elevation of the machine illustrated in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged end view in elevation of the machine illustrated in Fig. 1 when viewed from the right;

Figure 4 is an enlarged front view in elevation of the end of the wire threading mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating a. modied form of construction of an end for the wire threading mechanism;

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertcial cross-sectional view, with parts in elevation, of a field structure mounted on the reciprocating table taken substantially in the plane indicated by the oiIset line VI-V'I of Fig. 1;

Figure '7 is an enlarged side view in elevation, with a part in cross-section, as seen in the plane' indicated by the line VII--VII of Fig. 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 8 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional vlew, with parts in elevation, as seen when looking in the direction of the arrows along the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 1;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view, with parts in elevation, taken substantially in the plane indicated by the line IX-IX of Fig. 1;

Figures 10 and 11 are enlarged plan views similar to Fig. 2 and illustrating diagrammatically the relative positions of the coacting elements for winding one turn of wire around the pole of a field structure; and,

Figures 12 and 13 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 illustrating a modified form of construction of a, wire coil winding machine embodying principles of this invention.

In general, the wire coil winding machine 20 of this invention may be considered to consist of a wire feed mechanism 2| from which untwisted wire is continually supplied to a threading mechanism 22, a reciprocating table 23 for mounting an element to be wound with coils of Wire, a wire stacking device 23A, and an actuating mechanism 24 for intermittently and alternately actuating the reciprocating table 23 and the swinging wire threading mechanism 22.

For convenience, each of the above mentioned mechanisms will be described under a separate heading.

Wire feeding mechanism The mechanism 2| from which wire is drawn is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The mechanism 2| is illustrated as mounted on a. main frame 25 which is supported in elevation by suitable pairs of legs 26 and 21. It is to be noted that the main frame 25 is upwardly offset as at 28 in order to provide an end 29 of the table in higher elevation than the other end 30 for a purpose that will be apparent from the description to follow.

An upstanding bearing bracket 3| is connected to the table portion 3B adjacent one end thereof by means of bolts 32 or the like. The upper end of the bracket 3| has a bearing portion 33 for rotatably receiving therethrough a shaft 34. A yoke 35 is connected to one end of the shaft 34 by any suitable means for insuring co-rotation therewith. A bolt pulley 36 is similarly connec to the other end of the shaft 34 injsuch a manner that theb'earing portion 39 is positioned the yoke 35 and the pulley 36.

As best shown in Fig. s, the puuey as is driven e means of suitable bolts 49, rivets orthe like. An

additionn bracket 4| 1s also' connected 'to the j v siret-i.v aspring (not shown) may be inserted bei vtween theeye `end 68 and thelower washer'll between' in order that the wire may bei'rictionally gripped as it passes between the washers 60 and 6|. How# ever, if a spring is not provided, the i'orce by which the'washers 60 and'v 6| grip the wire 66 may .'be variedby threading the head of the screw lower surface of the main frame portion in depending relation therefrom by means-of bolts 42 and has a transversely extending 'bearing ear -43 for supporting an intermediate portion of a main drive shaft 44.

A source of power supply, such as an electric motor, engine `or the like (no't shown), may be used for driving the main shaft 44.

A short shaft 45 is supported at its ends by the spaced brackets 39 and 4| for mounting thereon the driving pulley 38 and a gear46. A pinion 41 is carried by the main shaft 44 in meshing engagement with the gear 39 wherebyfrotation of the shaft 44 drives the pulley 36 through the pinion 41, gear 46, pulley 38 and belt 31. The enmeshed gear 46 and pinion 41 and the belt pulleys 36 and 38 are of a size suilicient to rotate the yoke at a speed in a predetermined proportion to the speed of movement of the threading rnechanism 22 and reciprocating table 23 as will be more fully described hereinafter. v

A spool 48 is mounted for free rotation about its own longitudinal axis on a shaft 49 carried by the yoke 35.y The yoke 35 is mounted for rotation on the bracket 3| (as previously described) for rotation about an axis lying in substantially of the screw 61 engages the annular groove '66 to a horizontal plane and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spool 48. The positive drive to the shaft 34, on which the yoke 35 is carried, causes the spool carrying shaft 49 to be revolved in a substantially vertical plane about its midpoint. As will presently be explained in greater detail, when the wire is wound around an object in a clockwise -direction .(as seen when looking down on the object) the spool 48 is revolved in a clock-wise direction (when viewed `from the right as in Fig. 3) to prevent a counter-clockwise twisting of the wire, as would normally result if the axis ofthe spool were not revolved.

The wire threading mechanism As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a supporting column 55 is connected to the upper surface of the table portion 38 at a position intermediate the olset portion 23v of the table and the bearing bracket 3| by means of screws 56, bolts or the like. It is to be noted that the bearing bracket 3| and the supporting column 55 are positioned in alignment substantially along the longitudinal center line of the main frame 25.

An elongated arm 51 has an eye-portion 58 at one end thereof through which is received the shank of a screw 59 axially threaded into the top portion of the supporting column 55. The screw 59 provides a pivot around which the arm`51 swings in short arcs to be more fully described later.

A pair of washers 60 and 6| loosely embrace the shank of the screw 59 between the eyev end 58 on the arm 51 and' the head of the screw 59. I'hese washers define a friction guide for the wire 58 as it is drawn from the spool 48. If de- 69 downwardly into the supporting column 6l until the desired degree. of friction is reached. 'I'he wire 50 may also be lopped around the shank,

. of the screw 69 to provide additional friction.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the forward or free end of the elongated arm 51 is provided with a' needle portion 62. 'I'he needle portion 62 extends downwardly and is axially bored Ias at 63 for re-z ceiving therein the upper end 64 of acaster-like member 65. 'I'he upper portion 64 of the mem'- ber 65 has an annular peripheral groove 66 around an intermediate portion A.thereof to receive the. inner end of a screw 61 threaded through a side' wall-of the' needle portion 62. The inner end retain the upper portion 64 of the caster-like member 65 within the needle portion in such a manner that the caster-like member is free for rotation but cannot move in an axial direction. Downwardly extending legs 68 are provided on the member 65 for pivotally mounting there-between a guide pulley 69. This rotation of the caster member 65 permits the guide pulley 69 to turn in the direction in which the wire is laid thereby providing a rotatable support for the wire at all times.

A slot 10 is provided immediately adjacent the outer end of the arm 51 for receiving therein a guide pulley 1|. The guide pulley 1| is mounted for free rotation by means of a pin 12 bridging the walls on opposite sides of the slot 10.

The free end of the wire 5|] is withdrawn from the spool 48, inserted in the guide pulley 1| and through an axial opening 13 in the caster-like member 65, over the revolvable pulley 69 and is then looped through an anchor ring 14 embedded .in the reciprocating table 23. When so positioned, an intermediate portion of the wire 50 is either looped around the screw 59 or is passed lbetween the washers 60 and 6| with the proper tension applied to the wire as previously described herein.

.As best shown in Fig. 5, a'modifled form of a needle arrangement on the end o f the arm 61 may be substituted for the arrangement described above. In this construction the outer endv of the arm 51 is provided with a vertically extending slot 15 within which the guide pulley'll is pivotally mounted by means of the pin 12 in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 4. The wire 50 passes over the pulley 1| and downwardly through a tightlyvcoiled helical spring tube 16, one end 11 of which is'connected to the arm 51 by means of welding or the like. This spring tube actsl as a flexible guide for the wire as it is drawn through the arm 51. If desired, the slot 15 may be enlarged at its forward end and the end 11 of the spring tube 16 inserted therein as by a threaded connection or may be held in position by welding or any other of numerous well-known means. The terminal of the wire 50 is connected to the reciprocating table in the ysame manner as previously described. It will be apparent that the coil spring arrangement just described guides the wire in a manner similar to the caster needle arrangement 62 but is of much more simple construction than the latter.

" reciprocating table 84.

The reciprocating table mechanism As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6, 10 and 11, a bed 80 for the reciprocating table is connected, with its longitudinal axis in alignment with the bearing bracket 3| and the supporting column 55, to the elevated end 29 oi' the main frame 25 by means of studs or screws 8|. The longitudinal marginal edges of the bed 80 are provided with gib portions 82 and 83 for sldably retaining therein the reciprocating table 84 of the mechanism 23.

A longitudinally and upwardly extending tongue portion 85 is centrally provided on the A clamp 86, the lower jaw 81 of which is slotted as at 88, is seated on the reciprocating table 84 between the gib portions 82 and 83 and isA connected to the table by any suitable means such as cap screws (not shown). The upper jaw 89 is pivotally connectedto the lower Jaw by means of a pivot pin 90 in a, Wellknown manner. The opposite ends of the jaws 81 and 89 are clamped together by means of a pivotally mounted screw and wing nut assembly 9|, also in a well-known manner. 'I'he clamped Jaws are shaped to provide a. central bore 92 there'- through for receiving therein an article on which wire is to be coiled, such as a field structure 93.

In the eld structure illustrated in Fig. 6, there is illustrated diametrically opposed inwardly extending radial slots 94 and 95. The inner periphery of the upper jaw 89 has a tongue 98 formed thereon for insertion into the slot 94 of the neld structure, A pin or bar 91 is seated in the tongue portion 85 of the reciprocating table 84 to extend upwardly into the slot 95 of the field structure. The iield structure is thereby securely clamped within the clamp member 86.

The field structure 93, usually of a laminated construction, includes an annular frame portion 98 and two poles 99 which are each connected to the frame portion by a relatively'narrow throat portion |00.

A machine of the present invention will be described as winding a field coil around the throat portions but it is to be understood that other elements may be wound with coils of wire in ex= actly the same manner. Where other elements of different shapes are to be wound, the only change necessary is in the provision of a clamp mounting therefor on the reciprocating table 84.

The wire stacking device As best shown in Figs. 2 and 6, a wire stacking device 23A is illustrated comprising a pair of adjustable mechanisms, one on each side of the clamp 86. -As both mechanisms are alike only one will be described in detail with the other mechanism being identified by like reference numeral having the sub-character a. An inverted T-shaped slot |0| is provided lengthwise of the gib portion 83 closely adjacent its inner margin. A cap screw |02 has its head |03 inserted in the wide portion of the slot |0| to slide lengthwise thereof with the shank |04 extending through the narrow portion of the slot. An offset bar |05 formed of flat metal has one end clamped to the gib portion 83 by means of a wing nut |06 being threaded around the shank of the cap screw |0 2 and against the bar.

As particularly shown in Figs. 6 and '1, an intermediate portion of the bar |05 is provided with a downwardly extending flange |01. A bolt |08 passes through an opening provided in the bar |05 and is adjustably retained in place by means of lock nuts |09 and a spring ||0 seated between the bar |05 and a head on the bolt |08. It is to be noted that the screw head has a rounded contour for a purpose now to be described.

Spaced ears ||2, only one of which is shown in Fig. '1, extend outwardly from a vertical face of the lower clamp jaw 81. A bell crank lever ||3 is pivotally connected at its angle to and between the spaced ears ||2 by means of a pin ||4. A wire spring ||5 has an intermediate portion thereof coiled around the pivot pin ||4 with its ends seated against the bell crank arms ||6 and H1 to normally hold them in the positions illustrated in Fig. 7.

As best shown in Figs. 2 and 6, a Z-shaped member ||8 is connected at its lower end to the free end of the bar |05 by means of a rivet ||9.

The actuating mechanism The actuating mechanism 24 for swinging the threading arm 51 and reciprocating the table 84 is best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 8 and 9. A U-shaped hanger |25 is connected to a portion of the main frame 25 adjacent the offset portion 28 in depending relation therefrom by means of cap screws |26 or the like The downwardly depending legs of the U-shaped hanger have laterally extending aligned bearing lugs |21 for receiving therethrough an end of the main driving shaft 44. The horizontal web portion |28 which bridges the ends of the legs on the U-shaped hanger is provided with )spaced vertically bored bearings |29, |30 and |3|.

A main driving stub shaft |32 has its reduced end portion |33 seated in the vertical bore of the bearing |30 and extends upwardly through a bore |34 in the main frame 25 to terminate flush with the top surface thereof.

A main driving gear |35 is keyed or otherwise suitably connected to the stub shaft'l |32 in vertical alignment with the main driving shaft 44 which carries thereon a driving pinion |36 in meshed engagement with the main gear |35.

As best shown in Fig. 9, a shaft |31 has a reduced end portion |38 seated within the vertical bore of the bearing |29 and the shaft extends upwardly through an aligned bore |39 in the main frame 25 to terminate in spaced relation above the top of the main frame. Likewise, an additional shaft |40 has a reduced end |4| seated in the vertical bore of the bearing |3| and the shaft extends upwardly through an aligned bore |42 in the main frame 25 to terminate in spaced relation from the top of the main frame.

A set of gears |45 of the Geneva stop type is provided whereby the shafts |31 and |40 are rotated alternately in a predetermined timed relation.

A large disk |46 is keyed or pressed on the main driving stub shaft |32 at an intermediate portion thereof as shown in Fig. 1. A pair of upwardly extending pins |41 are diametrically disposed adjacent the periphery of the disk |46. Likewise, a second pair of pins |48 extend downwardly from the disk |46 and are diametrically disposed adjacent; the periphery thereof at substantially from the upwardly extending pins The disk |46 has an upwardly extending cam |49 defined by the convex surfaces |50 and |5| described by a radius struck from the center of the shaft |32 and which are inwardly concentric with thefouter periphery of the disk. Concave surfaces |52 and |53 are provided for clearance of the cam |49 in a manner to be more apparent hereinafter.

A similar cam |54 is provided on the opposite face of the disk |46 extending in a direction substantially at right angles to the cam |49. The cam |54 has a pair of opposed convex surfaces 55 and |56 and a pair of oppositely disposed concave surfaces |51 and |58 formed-similarly to the faces on the cam |49.

A slotted disk |60 is keyed or pressed on the shaft |31 in a position in substantial. alignment with the cam |49 on the disk |46. Intersecting right angularly disposed diametrically extending slots |6| and |62 are provided in the lower portion of the disk |60 to slidingly receive therethrough the upwardly extending pins |41 on the disk |46. Recesses are milled or otherwise formed inwardly of the periphery of the disk |60 between adjacent ends of the slot |6| and |62 to provide inner concave surfaces |63. It is to be noted that the concavity of the surfaces |63 is such as to be concentric with and in closely .spaced relation from the convex surfaces |50 and |5| on the cam |49 of the disk |46.

A disk |64, shaped similarly to the slotted disk |60, is keyed or otherwise suitably connected to the idler shaft |40 in a position substantially in alignment with the cam |54 on the disk |46. The disk |64 is connected to the shaft |40 in a reverse position relative to the position of the disk |60 on its shaft 31. In this position, the disk |66 provides intersecting right angularly disposed diametrically extending slots |65 and |66 terminating in spaced relation from the bottom face of the disk |64. Recesses are provided between adjacent ends of the slots |65 and |66 to form the concave surfaces |61. The slots |65 and |66 slidingly receive therethrough the downwardly extending pins |48 on the disk 46. The concave surfaces |61 are so disposed as to lie concentric with in closely spaced relation from the convex surfaces |50 and |5| of the disk |46 when in adjacent relation.

The disk |46 is drivingly rotated by cooperation of the driving gear |35 with the left-hand threaded pinion |36 through the main shaft 49, which in the present instance rotates in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 3). With the parts positioned as illustrated in Fig. 8, one of the pins |61 turning with the disk |46 in a counter-clockwise direction, as illustrated by the arrow, is in a position entering the end of the `slot |6| in the disk |60. Simultaneously, the downwardlyextending pin |48 on the disk |46 is just leaving the end of the slot |65 on the disk |64. lIt is to be noted that the convex surface |50 and concave .surface |63 are turned away from each other as the pin |41 slides along the slot; |6I. Movement of the disk |64 is eliminated by the cooperation of the convex surface |56 on the disk |46 and the concave surface |61 on the disk |66.

The pin |41, during one-quarter revolution of the disk |46, slides toward and away from the center of the disk |60. When the pin |41 is adjacent the center of the disk |60 the latter has been rotated one-eighth of a turn and as the pin |41 slides back toward the periphery of the disk |60 the latter is turned through the balance of the quarter-turn. During this quarter revolution of the disk |60, the convex surface |5| moves into a position ladjacent one oi' the concave surfaces |63. Thel coaction of these two surfaces maintainsthe disk |60 in a locked position until the opposite pin |41 has been turned iri'o a position for engaging the end of the slot I The downwardly extending pins |46 cooperate with the slots |65 and |66 on the disk |64 in exactly the same manner. Likewise, the convex surfaces |55 and |56 cooperate with the concave surfaces |61 for locking the disk |64 against rotation when the disk |60 rotates.

y While the disk |46 is continuously rotated, the disks |60 and |64 are alternately rotated onequarter of a turn. In this manner, the shafts |31 and 40 are alternately rotated one-quarter of a turn.

Asbest shown in Fig. 9, an externally toothed gear |10 is keyed or otherwise suitably connected to the top end of the shaft t 31.

A stub shaft |1| has a reduced end portion |12 received through a suitable opening in the main frame 25 spaced along a transverse axis o'f the main frame from the shaft |31. A cap screw |13 is threaded into the reduced end |12 of the shaft and against a b oss |14 on the lower side of the main frame for maintaining. the shaft |1| in a vertical stationary position.

An `externally toothed driven gear |15l in meshed engagement with the gear |10, is carried by the shaft |1| for free rotation relative thereto. A cross-head |16 is preferably formed integrally with the gear |15 but it is to be understood that both parts can be formed separately and connected together by any :suitable means such as cap screws or the like. The cross-head |16 is generally disk-shaped having spaced axially extending legs |11 and |18. -The top of the shaft |1| terminates flush with the top disk surface of the cross-head member |16 in order that an adjusting block |19 may slidingly seat between the legs |11 and |18. A cap screw |80 is threaded through the leg v|18 for engagement with the adjusting block |19 to hold the latter in a position to which it is adjusted lengthwise of the slot defined between the legs |11 and |18. If necessary, additional cap screws may be provided in order to insure the locking of the adjusting block |19 in an adjusted position in a manner as illustrated in Fig. 2.

A draw bar is provided with eye portions |86 and |81 at the ends thereof for a purpose now to be described. The end`|81 of the draw bar is connected to one end of the adjusting block |19 by means of a cap screw |88. The other end |86 of the draw bar is inserted within a slot |89 in the reciprocating table 84 and is pivotally connected thereto by any suitable means such as a cap screw similar to the cap screw |89.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that rotation of the cross-head member |16 will eifect reciprocation of the table 84 through the draw bar |85. The reciprocating stroke of the draw bar may be varied by adjusting the adjusting block |19 within the slot dened by the legs |11 and |18.

Asbest shown in Figs. 1 and 2, an externally r toothed gear |95 is keyed or pressed on the upshaft |96 for meshed engagement with the gear |95. A cross-head member |98, shaped similar to the cross-head member |16, is either an integral part of the gear |91v or connected thereto by means of screws, welding or the like. Spaced legs |99 and'200 are provided on the upper face of the cross-head member |98 to slidingly receive therebetween an adjusting block 20 Cap screws 202 are threaded through the leg 200 for the purpose of locking the adjusting block 20| in a position to which it is moved.

A crank member 203, either an integral part of or suitably connected to the adjusting block 20|, extends vertically between the adjusting block and the elongated arm 61. An elongated slot 204 is provided in the arm 61 for receiving therethrough a cap screw 205 which is threaded into the crank member 203. An adjustable connection is thereby provided between the cross-head member |98 and the arm 51 to swing the latter in a horizontal plane. The elongated slot 204 permits relative movement in a direction along the longitudinal axis arm 51 of the cap screw 205 as it is turned by the cross-head member |99. It will be apparent that by adjusting the adjusting block 20| toward or away from the center of the cross-head member |98 that theswinging movement of the arm 51 may be increased or decreased as desired.

Inasmuch as the arm 51 and the table 94 are actuated by the shafts |40 and |31, alternate actuation thereof is effected.

Modified constructions In Figs. 12 and 13. there is illustrateda modified form of construction of a wire coil winding machine 20. The machine 20 is the same as the machine 2'0 illustrated in Fig. 1 with the exception that the actuating mechanisms for the threading mechanism 22 and the reciprocating table mechanism 23' are disposed in spaced relation from each other along the main driving shaft 44.

The main frame 25' has a raised portion 29 adjacent the left-hand end thereof formed by the offset portions 29 and 2|0. This provides an end 30, which is lower in elevation than the frame portion 29, at the right-hand end thereof and a relatively short frame portion 2|| at thelefthand end thereof. The entire wire feed mechanism 2| is connected to the frame portion 30 in the same manner as previously described with the construction illustrated in Fig. 1. The threading mechanism 22 is the same as that illustrated in Fig. l. The reciprocating table mechanism 23 is the same as that illustrated in Fig. 1 with the exception that the table 84 has the ends thereof reversed.

The U-shaped hanger |25' is of the same shape as the hanger |25 with the exception that it is more elongated and provides additional bearing supports 2|2 and 2|3 intermediate its ends for additionally supporting the main drive shaft 44'.

A shaft |32 has its ends seated in the frame portion 30 and in the web portion of the bracket |25. A pinion I 36a carried by the main drive shaft 44' meshes with a driving gear |35a in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1. A disk member 2|4 is provided with upwardly extending pins 2|6 and a cam portion 2|6 in the same manner as the top portion of the disk member |46'. The disk is keyed or otherwise suitably connected on the shaft |32' adjacent the gear |35a.

A second shaft |32" is shaped in the same manner as the shaft |92' and is seated at its ends in the web of the bracket |25' and the frame portion 30. A disk |60' is provided with intersecting slots |6| and |62' and a plurality of concave faces |63 in the same manner as with the disk |60. The disks |60' and 2I4 coact in the same manner as the disks |46 and |60. In order that the disks |80 and 2|4 be maintained in proper alignment, a spacing sleeve or hub 2 1 is inserted between the disk |60' and the web of the bracket |25. A gear |10' is either formed integral with the disk member |60' or is keyed or otherwise connected to the shaft |32" as shown in Fig. 12. A shaft 2|8 is inserted through a suitable opening in the frame portion to receive at one end thereof the cross-head member |98. A gear |91 is keyed or otherwise suitably connected to the other end of the shaft 2|8 in aligned meshed engagement with the gear |10. Connection between the cross-head member |99 and the threading arm 51' is effected in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 1.

As the actuating mechanism for the table 94' is exactly the same as the actuating mechanism for the threading mechanism 22 just described, similar parts of the two mechanisms are identif fled by like reference numerals. The upper end of the shaft 2|9 for actuating the reciprocating table mechanism 29' has connected thereto a' cross-head member |16. The cross-head |19 and the reciprocating table 84 are adjustably connected by a draw bar |85 in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 1.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the Wire coil winding machines of Figs. 1 and 12 are substantially alike and differ only in the separate actuating mechanisms for the threading mechanism and the reciprocating table mechanism. It will be further apparent from the following description of the operation of the machine of Fig. 1 that the machine illustrated in Fig. 12 operates ina like manner.

Operation Referring particularly to Figs. 10 and 11, the

f operation of .the wire coil winding machine illustrated in Fig. 1 will now be described. The adjusting blocks |91 and 20| are rst properly adjusted on the cross-head members |16 and 20| in the following manner. The intermeshed pairs of gears |10, |15 and |95, |91 each provide a 2 to 1 ratio so that a quarter of a turn on the shafts |31 and |40 will rotate the cross-heads |16 and |99 a half turn. The draw bar |85 is then adjusted to the position as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 10 by loosening the cap screws |80 and sliding the adjusting block |19 to the left until the threading end 62 of the arm 51 is closely spaced from the face 220 of the clamp 86. The throw of the pin |88 is such that the table 94 will be reciprocated a distance in which the needle end 62 of the arm 51 will alternately be adjacent opposite faces of the clamp 86 as the table moves to its limits of reciprocation.

The bars |05 and |05a are then adjusted to positions adjacent the limits of reciprocation of the clamp 96. The positions are such that the bell crank arm ||6 will cam against the flange |01 whereby the arm ||1 will push the screw head downwardly which in turn will push the bar |05 and the bar ange |20 downwardly. Likewise, the bar |05a is adjusted to a position adjacent the face 22| on the clamp 86 when at its limit of movement to the left. The bar |05a and its flange |20a are then forced downwardly.

The arm 51 is then adjusted to its limits of 51 is effected by sliding the adjusting block 20| toward or away from the center of the cross-head member |98. The distance the cap screw 205 is The cross-head member |98 is then held stationary and the cross-head member |16 rotated a half turn whereby the table-84 and the clamped field structure 93 are moved to the left. The

Wire portion 224 is therebyvseated against the l face 225 and a portion 221 oi. the'wire is laid' admoved outwardly from the center of the crosshead member |98 will determine the throw of the cap screw and the swinging distance the arm 51 is'actuated.

The threading end 62 of the arm 51 is initially positioned between a pole portion 99 and an adjacent portion of the annular frame 98 on the eld structure to permit the threading end of the arm to be moved through the field structure. Where the object to be wound is the pole throat of a field structure, the pole is first insulated with paper or other means (not shown) before the coils of wire are wound therearound.

When power is applied to the machine 20 through the main drive shaft 44 to turn the latter in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the right endof the machine, the crosshead member |16 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction a half-turn in which the end |81 ofthe draw bar |85 is moved from the position illustrated in full lines to the position illustrated in dotted lines. This movement of the draw bar pulls the table 84 to the right and the field structure clamped thereon moves by the threading end 62 of the arm 51 to a' position in which the threading end of the arm is spaced from the face 22| on the clamp 66. As the table 84 moves to the right, it draws the wire 50 through the threading arm 51. held between the washers 60 and 6| for'the purpose of maintaining the wire under tension and in tight relation between the threading end,

either the caster arrangement 62 or spring tube 16, of the arm 51 and the anchor ring 14 on the table 84. The wire spool 48 is revolved in a clockwise direction, as viewed at the right hand end of the machine, by the yoke 35 at the same rate of speed at which turns of wire are laid on the pole for a reason to be more apparent later.

' as previously described herein, and the crosshead member |98 is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction through a. half turn in a man'- ner similar to the rotation of the cross-head member |16. This rotation of the cross-head member |98 swings the threading end of the arm 51 from the full line position to the dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 10. A portion 224 of the wire 50 is laid adjacent the back face 225 of the throat on the field structure 93 as illustrated in full lines of Fig. 11. In this position, the wire portions 222 and 224 are in angular relation to each other by the engagement of the wire with a corner 226 on the throat portion of the field structure.

In the foregoing operationfif the threading arm 51 illustrated in Fig. 4 is used, the pulley 69 will rotate to follow the direction in which the Wire is to be laid. If the threading arm illustrated in Fig. is used, the flexible coil spring 16 will naturally follow in the direction in which the wire is pulled.

The Wire 50 is frictionally.

jacent an inwardly curved surface 228 opposite `to the side surface 223. When the clamp 8Bhas been moved to the left to its limit of movement, the ange |20a on the arm 05a is forced downwardly and carries with it the wire portion 224 to seat thelatter at the bottom of the pole throat. The cross-head member |16 is then held stationary and the cross-head member |98 rotated a half turn toswing the threading endV 65 of the arm 51 back across the face 220 ofthe clamp.

A portion 229 of the wire 50 is thereby laid across the front face 230 of the throat |00 on the field structure 93. When the clamp 86 is next moved to the right the flange |20 on the arm |05 will force the wire portion 229 downwardly to seat at its bottom of the pole throat. Obviously, when the wire portions 224` and 229 are forced downwardly, the other wire portions 222 and 221 will also be moved downwardly relative to the surfaces of the pole throat which they engage.

By rotating the cross-head members |16 and |98 a complete loop around the throat |00 of the eld structure 93 is effected by the wire portions-222, 224, 221 and 229. Continued rotation of the cross-head membersA will llay as many additional turns around the throat |00 as desired. Each additional turn will be stacked on the previously laid turn by operation of the flanges |20 and 20a of the stacking device 23A.

As each turn of wire is coiled around an object to be wound in a clockwise direction (as viewed looking down on the object), a counterclockwise twist would normally be placed in the wire. In order that this twist be eliminated, the spool 48 is revolved around the axis of the shaft 34 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the right of the machine (Fig. 3). During the winding of one turn of wire around the throat |00, the wire, if the spool is not revolved about shaft 34, would be twisted once or 360 aroundA its longitudinal axis in a counter-clockwise direc tion. Consequently, the wire spoolI 48 must be revolved once around the axis of the shaft 34 in a clockwise direction for each complete turnv of wire wound in order to prevent any twisting.

lGenerally speaking, the wire will twist in the opposite direction to that in which the coil is laid, and consequently, the wire must be rotated .around its own axis in the same direction as the this manner, each complete turn of wire coiled v around the throat |00 will tightly overlie aprechine illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, operates in the same manner as just described herein.

Summary From the above description, it should be understood that the present invention now provides a high speed machine which uniformly and tightly winds an article, such as the pole of a field structure. with any desired number of turns of untwisted wire to form a coil. The various mechanisms of the machine are all positively driven and the threading mechanism and reciprocating table mechanism are both adjustable to provide for the winding of various sizes of objects With coils of wire. The wire feeding mechanism is positively driven for untwisting wire as it is drawn through the threading mechanism. r Positive control of the various mechanisms by\driv ing them from a single shaft makes possible an exact timing therebetween so that the machine can be run at very high speeds. Reciprocation of the table mechanism and swinging of the threading arm effect a rectangular application of a turn of wire to an object to be wound.

However, should the object be shaped other than rectangular or square, a tight turn of wire will nevertheless be applied as the flexible wire will follow the contour of the object and not retain the rectangular position as illustrated.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been illustrated, it will, of course, be understood that the invention should not be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and, therefore, it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. The method of winding strand material around an object which comprises moving the object to be wound substantially parallel to a length of the material, laying a length of the material in a transverse direction relative to the direction of movement of the object, moving the object back to its original position and against the transversely laid length of the material to thereby lay another length of the material pararm for frictionally carrying a wire passing through said opening inthe end thereof, means for connecting the wire to said reciprocating table, and means for alternately reciprocating said table and swinging said arm whereby the object to be Wound is moved into and out of the path of movement of said arm and a complete turn of wire is thereby wound around said object.

4. A machine for winding strand material around an object, comprising a table mounted for reciprocation and arranged to carry said object thereon, an arm having the ends thereof arranged for receiving therethrough an intermediate portion of said material and being Amounted for swinging movements in a direction transversely of the movements of said reciprocating member, and means for alternately actu-J ating said table and arm for reciprocating said object into and out of the path of movement 'oi' a portion of the material adjacent said arm for winding -a complete turn of the material around said object.

5. A machine for winding a coil of wire around an object, comprising a needle arm having eyes at both ends thereof, a support column, a friction gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism and one/end of said arm having a wire passed therethrough with the other end of said arm being pivotally connected to said support column, a table for carrying the object to be wound mounted for reciprocation toward and away from said support column past said one end of said arm, a ring on said table for anchoring the terminal of the wire threaded through said arm, a driving gear mechanism having elements arranged to be rotated alternately, crank means connecting one of said elements to said table for reciprocating the latter whereby the object to be wound is moved past the one end of said arm, and additional crank means .connecting the other of said elements to said arm for swinging said one end thereof beyond the `sides of said object in directions transverse to the reciprocation of said table.

allel to said rst length thereof, and laying an f additional length of the material in a direction ,l

parallel to the direction along which said secondi mentioned length of the material is laid to com- 5 plete a turn of the material around the object, said movements of the object and said laying of the lengths of the material being carried out in a single plane.

2. A machine for winding strand material around an object, comprising a movable member for carrying thereon said object, means mounting said member for reciprocation in a horizontal plane, a threading member carrying an intermediate portion of a length of said ma-` terial and being mounted for swinging movements in a direction transversely of the move,- ments of said reciprocating member, and means` for alternatelyl actuating said members for moving said object into and out of the path of move-\ ment of a portion of the material adjacent said, threading member for winding a complete turn of the material around said object.

3.. A machine for winding a coil of wire around` an object, comprising an arm pivotally mounted(` at one end for movement in a horizontal plane and having an opening in the other end there-i. of, a reciprocating table for flxedly mounting thereon the object to be wound, means on said,\

6. A machine for winding a coil of wire around an object,` comprising a needle arm having eyes at both ends thereof, a support column for pivotally mounting one end of said arm to swing in a horizontal plane, a friction gripping mechanism, a yoke pivotally mounted adjacent said support column, a Wire spool pivotally mounted in said yoke, a table for carrying the object to be wound mounted for reciprocation toward and.

away from said support column past the other end of said arm, a ring on said table for anchoring a wire drawn from said spool through said friction gripping mechanism and the eye on the other end of said arm, a driving gear mechanism having elements arranged to be rotated alternately, a main drive shaft connected to said elements and said yoke for rotating them at predetermined relative speeds, crank means con- 'necting one of said elements to said table for reciprocating the latter whereby the object to be wound is moved past the threaded eye on said other end of the arm, and additional crank means connecting the other of said elements to' said arm for swinging said other end thereof beyond the sides of said object in directions transverse to the reciprocation of said table.

7. A machine for Winding a coil of wire around an object, comprising a needle arm having eyes at both ends thereof, a support column for pivotally mounting one end of said arm to swing in a horizontal plane, a friction gripping mechanism co-mounted with said arm on said support column, a positively driven yoke mounted adjacent said support column, a wire spool pivotally mounted in said yoke, a table for carrying the object to be wound mounted for reciprocation toward and away from said support column whereby the object is moved past the other end of said arm, an anchoring device on said table for holding the vterminal of a Wire drawn from said spool through said friction gripping mechanism and the eye on the other end of said arm, a gear mechanism having cross-head members arranged to be rotated alternately, a main drive shaft, means connecting said drive shaft to said cross-head members and to said yoke for rotating them at predetermined relative speeds, adjustable crank means connecting one of said cross-head members to said table for reciprocating the latter whereby the object to be wound is moved past the threaded eye on said other end of the arm, additional adjustable crank means connecting the other of said cross-heads to said` arm for swinging said other end thereof beyond the sides of said object in directions transverse to the reciprocation of said table, and adjustable means actuated by said reciprocating table for stacking turns of wire as they are wound on'said object.

8. A wire threading mechanism comprising an arm pivotally mounted at one end for swinging movements and having slot means therein for receiving an adjustable actuating crank for swinging said arm between predetermined limits, a wire tensioning device at said one end of the arm including spaced members adjustable toward and away from each other for receiving the wire therebetween, and a guide mechanism at the other end of said arm, said tensioning device be'- ing arranged for holding vunder tension a wire threaded therethrough and through said guide mechanism.

9. A wire threading mechanism arm comprising an elongated member having an eye at one end for receiving a pivotal mounting pin, an intermediate elongated slot for receiving an actuating crank, an angularly offset hollow portion at its other end, a guide pulley connected to said other end of the arm having its periphery in alignment with the axis of vsaid hollow portion, a caster member having an apertured shank with an annular groove around the periphery thereof and a guide pulley, and a cap screw threaded through a wall of said hollow portion for seating in said -annular groove when the caster shank isseated in said hollow portion for permitting rotative movement onlyof said caster member.

l0. A wire threading mechanism comprising amovable arm, guide means on the ends of said arm arranged for threadedly carrying a movable wire therealong, said guide means including a guide pulley at one of said ends of the arm and a flexible tube on said arm for receiving the wire from said pulley and for guiding the movable wire therethrough as said arm is moved.

11. A wire threading mechanism comprising a wire supporting arm arranged for swinging movements between predetermined limits, a frictional wire gripping and guiding deviceon one end oi said arm, a guide pulley on the other end of said arm, and at said other end of the arm for flexibly guiding therethrough a wire as it is drawn through said frictional gripping device and over said guide pulley.

12. A wire stacking device comprising a resil- I a tightly wound coil spring tubaL ient arm adjustably mounted at one end thereof l and having a wire engaging portion at its other end, a cam member carried by said arm between the ends thereof, and means movable toward and away from said arm engageable with said cam member for flexing said arm about its adjustable mounting.

13. An adjustable wire stacking device comprising a support member having a slot therein, a resilient arm having a wire engaging portion at one end thereof, means movable in said slot for adjustably mounting the other end of said arm o`n said support,*cam means on said arm intermediate its ends, and actuating means movable toward and away from said arm engageable with said cam means for flexing said arm about its adjustable mounting on the support.

14. 4An adjustable wire stacking device comprising a support member having-a slot therein, a resilient arm having a laterally extending wire engaging ange on one end thereof, means movable in said slot for adjustably mounting the other end of said arm on said support, a cam ange on an intermediate portion of said arm, a spring mounted cam member on said arm adjacent said cam iiange, and a pivotally mounted bell crank movable toward and away from said arm, one of the bell crank legs engaging said cam ange for rocking the other of its legs against said cam member for flexing said arm about its adjustable mounting on the support.

15. An adjustable wire stacking device cornprising a support member having an inverted T-shaped slot therein, a cap screw having its \,head and shank slidably seated in said slot, a resilient arm receiving the shank of said screw through one end thereof, a nut on said screw shank for fixedly mountingY said arm on said support, a laterally extending wire engaging iiange on the other end of said arm, a downwardly extending cam ange on an intermediate portion of said arm, a round headed cam bolt passing through the arm adjacent said cam ange and having nuts threaded on an end thereof against said arm, a compression spring between the head of said bolt and said arm, and a pivotally mounted bell crank movable toward and away from said arm, one of the legs on said bell crank engaging said cam flange for rocking the other of its legs against the head of said cam bolt for flexing said Aarm about its adjustable mounting on the support.

16. In a machine for winding a coil of wire around an object, a reciprocating member for carrying thereon said object, a threading member carrying an intermediate portion of a length of wire and being mounted for swinging movements in a direction transversely of the movements of said reciprocating member, and a driving mechanism for alternately actuating said members including rotatably mounted shaft members, "Geneva stop gears mounted on said shaft members, interengaging means on said gears for alternately rotating said shaft members, crosshead members connected to said shafts, and

crank members adjustably mounted on said cross-head members and connected to for actuating said reciprocating member and said threading member.

17. In a machine for winding a coil of wire around an object, a reciprocating member for carrying thereon said object, a threading member for frictionally receiving therethrough a wire and being mounted for swinging movements in a 75 direction transverse to the movements of said reciprocating member, and a driving mechanism for alternately actuating said members including rotatably mounted shafts, interengaging Geneva stop" gears mounted on said shafts, axially extending pins carried by one of said gears, the others of said gears .having slots therein for receiving said pins, said pins and slots interengaging for alternately rotating the others oi said gears as said one gear is continuously rotated, rotatably mounted cross-head members driven by said other gears, a block adjustably mounted on each of said cross-head members, and a crank member mounted on each of said blocks, one of said crank members being connected to said reciprocating member and the other of said crank members being connected to said threading member for alternately actuating them.

18. A method of winding untwisted strands of material around an object which jcomprises reciprocating the object to be wound in a horizontal plane, laying a length of the material transversely across the line of movement of said object between the reciprocating movements thereof whereby the object is moved into and out of the path of the material laying steps toV complete a turn of material around the object, and simultaneously rotating the material once around its longitudinal axis in the lsame direction as the assenso material is wound on the object once around its axisalior preventing normal twisting of the materi 19. A machine for winding elongated material around an object comprising a pivotally mounted threading member for slidably carrying an intermediate portion o! said material, a support member for carrying the object to be wound mounted for reciprocation toward and away from said threading member between adjustable limits, and means for alternately actuating said reciprocating support member and said pivoted threading member lin intersecting paths of movement whereby a complete turn of the material is wound around the object.

20. The method of winding strand material around an object which comprises the step of alternately reciprocating the object to be Wound. and the step of laying lengths oi the material transversely back and forth across the path of movement of the object, the movement of said object and the transverse laying movement of the material all taking place in a single plane, whereby the object to be wound alternately p'resents opposite sides of itself to the path of the strand laying movement and a complete tum of material is wound around the object.

MAX KNOBEL. 

